House gives initial OK to regulatory reform

CONCORD — The House of Representatives gave initial approval Thursday to regulatory reform meant to shorten time frames for state agencies to issue permits.

Gov. Chris Sununu said these recommendations came from a steering committee he created upon taking office to try and make state government more business friendly.

“New Hampshire is long overdue for a regulatory culture change that streamlines government and drives business into this state,” Sununu said. “HB 1104 represents some of the most comprehensive regulatory reform efforts New Hampshire has ever seen. I commend the House for passing the bill and I look forward to continuing to work with the legislature to pass the bill into law.”

State Rep. Judith Spang, D-Durham, said the goal of the proposal is worth supporting but simply cutting permit times could have “negative consequences” and lead to more state litigation.

The House voted, 157-140, in support of the measure and it was sent to its Executives Departments and Administration Committee for more study.